Schlüsselwörter

Aesthetic plastic surgery of the female genital region

Abstract

Background

The demand for aesthetic plastic surgery of the female genital area has increased in recent years also in Germany.

Objectives

The aim of this article is to give a current overview of the indications, surgical techniques, risk profiles and outcome of aesthetic surgery of the vulva and vagina.

Materials and methods

A review is presented based on the current literature and evaluation of own experiences regarding the most common procedures, such as labiaplasty, vaginoplasty and perineoplasty, clitoral hood reduction and hymenoplasty. In addition to the principles of plastic surgery, the specific medicolegal, ethical and sociocultural aspects of these interventions are discussed.

Results

The majority of published studies indicate an overall postoperative patient satisfaction of 90–95 % and a positive effect on sexual satisfaction was reported in 80–85 %. Temporary complications, such as wound healing problems, appear to be acceptable to the patients. Chronic complaints were only very rarely reported and serious postoperative complications, such as those affecting the vaginal birth process were not reported.

Discussion

While the medical indications for genital surgery are controversially discussed in the media and also among physicians, according to the data from the literature the vast majority of patients rate the postoperative results as very positive and feel a subjective improvement in their body image and sexuality. Due to the special medicolegal, psychosocial and ethical aspects, a particularly differentiated counseling, prudent indications as well as technical knowledge of details are required preoperatively. Aesthetic plastic genital surgery is a new field which is in a continuous process of development. The benefits and risks for the patients should be investigated in future by high quality scientific studies regarding long-term results in terms of functional aspects, body image and subjective sexual perception.